Measurements

Both Sexes

Length

5.5–7.1 in14–18 cm

Wingspan

13.8–15 in 35–38 cm

Weight

1–2.2 oz 27–63 g

Other Names

Bécasseau de Baird, Maubéche de Baird (French)

Correlimos de Baird, Playerito de Baird (Spanish)

Cool Facts

The migration of the Baird's Sandpiper is long but rapid. After departing high-arctic breeding grounds and staging in southern Canada and the northern United States, most individuals travel 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) or more directly to northern South America, some going on as far as Tierra del Fuego. Many individuals complete the entire 15,000 kilometer (9,300 mile) journey in as few as 5 weeks.

The female Baird's Sandpiper lays a clutch of eggs that is up to 120% of her body mass in four days, shortly after arriving in the Arctic, with essentially no stored fat.

Food

Nesting

Nesting Facts

Nest Placement

Behavior

Conservation

There is no evidence of significant population trends to Baird's Sandpiper. They are not threatened globally, and both breeding and wintering grounds appear secure. The North American population is estimated at 300,000 individuals. They are not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List.